Barcelona and Hansi Flick face one of the most difficult weeks of their season, with a Champions League clash against PSG and El Clasico on the horizon.
Former Premier League striker Troy Deeney has made a bold prediction ahead of Sunday’s El Clasico.
He has insisted that Real Madrid have virtually no chance of defeating Hansi Flick’s Barcelona, given the two sides’ current form.
Deeney backs Barcelona to dominate El Clasico
As quoted by Mundo Deportivo, Deeney made the comments during an appearance on CBS Sports’ Golazo programme.
He questioned Madrid’s collective strength and ability to play as a team despite their recent 4-1 victory over Sevilla.
“It’s impossible for them to beat Barcelona. They are a team full of individuals against the best team,” Deeney declared, making his preference for Flick’s side unmistakably clear.
Hansi Flick’s team have the upper hand going into El Clasico. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
His comments come at a time when Barça hold a six-point lead over Madrid in La Liga and have enjoyed a perfect start ahead of their first league meeting of the season.
Both teams enter the week following convincing victories on paper. Barcelona defeated Real Betis 5-2, while Jose Mourinho’s Madrid overcame Sevilla 4-1.
However, Deeney believes the performances tell different stories, with Barcelona looking more convincing as a collective unit.
The former Watford striker also suggested that Mourinho’s temperament could become a factor, predicting that Madrid might receive a red card during the encounter.
He nevertheless praised Los Blancos’ summer signing Yan Diomande, who has slotted seamlessly into Vinicius Junior’s position while the Brazilian serves his suspension.
Barcelona must prove their superiority on the pitch
Deeney’s words reflect the confidence surrounding Barcelona this season, with their attacking football under Hansi Flick making them one of Europe’s most exciting sides.
Real Madrid will arrive at the Camp Nou without Vinicius Jr. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
The six-point lead also gives Barcelona an important psychological advantage. A victory would extend that gap to nine points and strengthen their position in the title race.
However, the Catalan giants will know better than to underestimate Mourinho and Real Madrid, regardless of form.
Mourinho’s side possess enough individual quality to punish defensive mistakes, particularly in a fixture where form rarely guarantees the result.
Flick’s team might be playing the better football, but none of that matters once the whistle blows at the Camp Nou.
It remains to be seen how the first league Clasico of the season unfolds and whether Hansi Flick’s men can claim the bragging rights.